What Sheffield Wednesday key figures have had to say about Sheffield United's start to life in the Premier League

Sheffield United’s return to the Premier League has seen them raise eyebrows with a handful of impressive performances and after Sunday’s topsy-turvy 3-3 draw with Manchester United, they sit sixth in the top tier.

Their efforts have not been lost on Wednesday talisman Barry Bannan, who has played in five Steel City derbies during his time with the club.

Asked how often he has been reminded of their success this season, the little Scot said: “I don't live in the city so I don't get anybody saying anything to me. That's a good thing probably, because I would probably react in a bad way.

“You've got to take your hats off to them, they've been brilliant. They went to the Premier League, deservedly so and this season they've been brilliant as well. You've got to take your hats off.

“As a Sheffield Wednesday player you don't want that to happen, obviously, but it is what it is, they're doing brilliant and fair play to them.”

Asked the same question, Owls boss Garry Monk said: “Not very often at all. It’s all Sheffield Wednesday fans that I’ve spoken to. I’m in the city now, I’m living in the city and generally it’s Sheffield Wednesday fans that will come up to me and speak to me.

“When I came here as a player I actually played in that derby at Bramall Lane, so I know how fiery and passionate it can be.”

Monk maintained he was completely unconcerned by results away from S6, claiming he didn’t know who United were even playing ahead of this weekend’s fixtures.

“Each to their own,” he said. “We’re Sheffield Wednesday, we’re focused on Sheffield Wednesday, we’re not focused on anyone else. Of course we want to get to those levels, that’s the ambition of a club like this.

“We want to try to get to that level, that’s what we’re fighting for. But of course, we’re focused on Sheffield Wednesday, that’s all that matters to us.”